Multifunctional Cardiovascular Training Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a multifunctional Cardiovascular training device. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus with a configuration that can be modified depending on the type of exercise the user intends to undertake. The apparatus comprises a pedals block ( 20 ) with a flywheel ( 21 ) connected to a set of pedals ( 22 ), a movable saddle ( 30 ) and a handlebar ( 40 ). The pedals block ( 20 ) is vertically movable along a supporting column ( 50 ) from a first operative position to a second operative position, and the set of pedals ( 22 ) can be positioned in a plurality of positions around a circumference concentric to said flywheel ( 21 ).

The present invention relates to a multifunctional Cardiovascular training device.

In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus with a configuration that can be modified to suit the type of exercise that the user intends to undertake.

It is common knowledge that a great deal of care is taken nowadays to keep one's body in good shape, both in appearance and in terms of physical, cardiovascular and muscle tone. Numerous people attend fitness clubs or use fitness equipment at home both to improve their shape by maintaining a good physical tone, and to keep their body in good health by increasing their cardiovascular exercise.

Numerous types of apparatus are available for performing cardiovascular exercises at home or in places such as fitness clubs and wellness centres, such as the classic exercise bikes that enable users to simulate riding a bicycle without any need to go anywhere or have much space available, or the recumbent bikes (also called reclining bikes) that are used—like the classic exercise bike—to simulate a cycling action but in a reclining position in order to avoid strain on the back muscles and spine. Other types of equipment are used instead to exercise the upper parts of the body in order to keep the arms and shoulders active too while performing cardiovascular exercises. Examples of such equipment are the arm pedal exercisers that involve performing a pedalling action with the upper limbs to exercise the shoulders and arms.

This type of equipment has several technical drawbacks, however, relating to its dimensions and to the limited use that can be made of it, which is strictly related to the type of equipment used. This strongly restrict its use at home or wherever space is limited, and prevents users from varying the exercise and the type of training they can choose. In addition, the dimensions of the equipment may make it impossible to install several different machines at home, and this again limits the opportunities for users of such machines to choose between different types of exercise.

The further development of cardiovascular and muscle exercise equipment has thus focused on types of apparatus that enable numerous exercises and different movements of the body to be performed in order to achieve a complete exercise program and an all-round tone for both the upper part of the body (e.g. the arms and shoulders) and the lower part (e.g. the legs).

Since there is also a need for compact equipment of limited dimensions, especially for use at home, efforts have been made to combine different solutions so that different exercises can be performed with the same equipment.

In addition to this last consideration, there is also the fact that the cost of this type of exercise equipment is normally considerable, and has to be multiplied by the number of machines to be purchased.

The patent EP1297864 describes an exercise bike consisting of a frame, a pedal drive assembly, a handlebar and a saddle mounted on a movable seat post that enables the saddle to be adjusted to the required height. The dimensions of this type of equipment enable its use only in environments of adequate size, and only as a standard exercise bike, without any opportunity to vary the type of exercise performed.

The patent application EP2165740 describes a reclinable exercise bike wherein the seat is installed on rails that enable it to slide so as to adjust both the distance of the saddle from the pedals and the height of the saddle. Here again, this apparatus has considerable overall dimensions that consequently limit the installation of this equipment in homes and, as in the case of normal exercise bikes, it only allows for one type of aerobic exercise to be performed.

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 7,758,475 describes a pedal-driven apparatus for exercising the upper part of the body, and particularly the arms and shoulders, wherein the pedals block may easily be raised and lowered to enable the height of the pedals block to be adjusted appropriately to suit the height of the user. Here again, as in the previous cases, this apparatus has considerable overall dimensions that strictly limit its installation in a normal home environment. In addition, this type of equipment can only be used as an arm exerciser, so it is scarcely versatile in use.

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,515 describes a multifunctional apparatus for exercising the arm muscles combined with a reclining pedalling device for exercising the lower part of the body. This equipment also has considerable overall dimensions that may limit its use to large spaces such as fitness clubs or wellness centres, consequently precluding its use at home. In addition, the apparatus only provides for a reclining position of the pedalling device, and this strongly restricts its versatility in use.

It would thus be desirable to develop a multifunctional Cardiovascular training device that includes several types of equipment in a single structure to enable users to vary the exercises, and consequently the type of muscle and cardiovascular training they perform without needing to purchase several machines and, at the same time, to reduce the overall dimensions of the equipment by enabling a plurality of devices to be contained in a single machine.

The object of the present invention is thus to develop a multifunctional apparatus for exercising the cardiovascular system and muscles that incorporates several devices in the same structure to enable users to vary the type of exercise they perform with ease.

Another object of the present invention is to develop a multifunctional apparatus for exercising the cardiovascular system and muscles that enables a reduction in its production costs and purchase price by comparison with the cost of several machines, but at the same time gives users the opportunity to vary the type of exercise they perform, and consequently the type of training they complete.

A further object of the present invention is to develop a multifunctional apparatus for exercising the cardiovascular system and muscles that includes several devices in a single compact structure of limited overall dimensions, which can consequently be placed in environments of limited size such as a room at home, while retaining the opportunity to vary the type of exercise that the user performs.

The above-mentioned objects are achieved by a Cardiovascular training device comprising:

-   -   a pedals block comprising a flywheel connected to a set of         pedals;     -   a movable saddle;     -   a handlebar;         characterised in that said pedals block is vertically movable         along a supporting column from a first operative position to a         second operative position, said set of pedals being positionable         in a plurality of positions around a circumference concentric to         said flywheel.

Said apparatus is thus a multifunctional cardiovascular exercise machine with a modifiable configuration such that it can be used as a normal exercise hike, a recumbent exercise bike, or an arm pedal exerciser simply by moving the pedals block.

The supporting column is preferably complete with guide means coupled to a slide attached to said pedals block so that the pedals block can advantageously be moved vertically along the supporting column to switch from the first operative position (where the pedals block is at the lower end of the supporting column) to the second operative position (where the pedals block is at the upper end of the supporting column).

The first operative position is characteristic of the configuration of the multifunctional apparatus as an exercise bike, i.e. a configuration wherein the set of pedals forming part of the pedals block is approximately aligned with the vertical axis of the saddle.

The second operative position is characteristic of the configuration of the apparatus as a recumbent exercise bike and arm pedal exerciser, wherein the pedals block is at the upper end of the supporting column and the set of pedals is located further away from the axis of the saddle.

The pedals block is preferably moved by means of a gravity-assisted passive displacement system. This enables the pedals block to be moved by exploiting its self-weight. The term “gravity-assisted passive displacement system” according to the present invention is used to mean a system for moving the pedals block that exploits the self-weight of said pedals block without the aid of any motorised means.

This gravity-assisted passive displacement system is preferably a counterbalance system so that the pedals block can be moved effortlessly to lift or retain the full weight of the pedals block by exploiting the force generated by a weight placed in opposition to the pedals block.

The set of pedals is preferably removably attachable to said flywheel in said plurality of positions around said circumference, and even more preferably by means of a locking pin system. This makes it easy to attach the set of pedals to the flywheel in the most appropriate position for the use that is to be made of the multifunctional apparatus depending on the type of configuration chosen by the user.

The flywheel is preferably connected to the set of pedals by means of a belt or chain system. This ensures a stable and durable coupling for transferring the rotating movement of the set of pedals to the flywheel, and thereby generating the resistance demanded by the user.

The set of pedals preferably comprises removable pedal crank or removable hand gripsto suit the configuration chosen by the user. This enables the apparatus to be used as a classic exercise bike or a recumbent exercise bike, or alternatively as an arm pedal exerciser, simply by replacing them with the handles, or vice versa.

The saddle is preferably movable both vertically and horizontally in relation to said pedals block. This allows for the height of the saddle to be adjusted to suit the height of the user, when the apparatus is configured as a classic exercise bike or as an arm pedal exerciser, and for the saddle to be positioned at an appropriate distance from the set of pedals when the apparatus is configured as a recumbent exercise bike.

The saddle is preferably complete with a reclinable backrest so that users can easily rest their backs against said backrest in order to ensure a correct pedalling position when the apparatus is configured as a recumbent exercise bike.

The pedals block is preferably complete with an interference locking system that enables said pedals block to be fixed in the first or second operative positions.

The Cardiovascular training device is complete with a screen on which users can see information concerning their pedalling speed, the effort generated, the time taken to complete the exercise, and also general information or images of various kinds to entertain and distract them.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of preferred embodiments, of which a non-limiting example is illustrated in the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the Cardiovascular training device according to the present invention in the recumbent exercise bike configuration;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the Cardiovascular training device according to the present invention in the classic exercise bike configuration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the Cardiovascular training device according to the present invention in the recumbent exercise bike configuration as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the Cardiovascular training device according to the present invention in the arm pedal exerciser configuration;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the Cardiovascular training device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 1 and 3 show the Cardiovascular training device 10 according to the present invention in the recumbent exercise hike configuration 11, wherein the pedals block 20 is positioned in a first operative position in relation to the supporting column 50. In particular, the pedals block 20 is positioned at the upper end of the column 50.

The pedals block 20 comprises a flywheel 21 and a set of pedals 22.

The term flywheel according to the present invention means a device that has the purpose of stabilising the turning speed of a mechanical system and consisting essentially of a metal disc of variable weight capable of rotating around its own axis.

The term set of pedals according to the present invention means a mechanism comprising pedals and a gear wheel or pulley capable of transferring the rotating movement generated by turning the pedals to the flywheel.

When the user operates the apparatus, the rotating movement of the set of pedals is transferred to the flywheel by means of a belt drive or chain drive system in order to ensure a fluid and dynamic movement of both the set of pedals and the flywheel.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the attached figures, the flywheel is supported by a metal supporting element 23, wherein it is contained and held in the required position, as explained in more detail below.

The set of pedals and the transmission are contained inside and attached to the flywheel supporting element, and thereby to the flywheel itself, by means of a housing 24 that enables the connection of the pedal-flywheel system and also surrounds and protects said system from the outside environment to prevent any foreign bodies accidentally entering the transmission or the set of pedals, with the risk of blocking their movement and posing a potential hazard for the user.

The set of pedals 22 can be placed in a plurality of positions in relation to the flywheel 21. In particular, it can be placed in a plurality of positions located around a circumference concentric to the flywheel 22. Once the required position has been chosen, the set of pedals can be removably attached to the flywheel, i.e. their chosen position is stably maintained with suitable locking means, but may be modified at any time to suit the user's needs. In the embodiment described, the position of the set of pedals in relation to the flywheel is fixed by means of a locking pin system 70. Said locking pin system 70 includes a series of through holes located on the flywheel supporting element 23 and on the housing 24, aligned with the required fixing points, so that the position of the set of pedals in relation to the flywheel can be established and fixed by means of the interference of the locking pin 72 inserted in the holes 71.

Other types of locking system differing from the one described above may be equally appropriate for removably fixing the set of pedals to the flywheel in the required position. Another example of such a locking system comprises a cam lever located on the flywheel supporting element 23 that can be closed to bring a force to bear on the housing 24 and thereby prevent any rotation of the pedals block.

The position of the set of pedals in relation to the flywheel can advantageously be removably fixed in a plurality of positions so that the configuration of the apparatus can be modified according to the user's needs.

In particular, the set of pedals can be fixed in a position underneath the flywheel in the recumbent exercise bike configuration shown in FIG. 3, or parallel to (i.e. horizontally aligned with) the flywheel in the normal exercise bike configuration shown in FIG. 2, or above the flywheel in the arm pedal exerciser configuration shown in FIG. 4. This enables the axis parallel to the ground of the set of pedals, and consequently also the plane of the pedalling action, to be displaced according to the type of configuration required.

In the configuration as a recumbent exercise bike 11, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the set of pedals 22 is fixed in a position located underneath the horizontal axis of the flywheel 21, that, combined with the positioning of the whole pedals block 20 in the first operative position, at the upper end of the supporting column 50, enables an appropriate positioning of the pedals in relation to the movable saddle 30 installed on the apparatus 10.

The movable saddle 30, supported on the seat post 32, which is in turn attached to the horizontal base 100, can be placed in a plurality of positions according to the needs and dimensions of the user of the apparatus. In particular, the saddle 30 can be moved vertically to adjust the height of the saddle with respect to the horizontal base 100, and consequently its height above floor level. This vertical movement can be obtained by sliding a hollow stem attached to the saddle 30, inside a tube attached to the base 100. Various positions can be established, for instance, by means of through holes located on the two tubular elements for inserting a pin or, here again, by means of levers located under the saddle for enabling locking mechanisms.

The saddle 30 can also be moved horizontally to bring it closer to, or further away from the supporting column 50 by displacing the seat post 32 along the horizontal base 100. This movement enables the saddle to be positioned at an appropriate distance from the pedals block to suit the height of the user and the type of apparatus configuration being used. This movement is achieved by sliding the seat post 32 inside a rail provided in the base 100.

There are preferably wheels, or other similar means, to facilitate this sliding action located on the underside of the seat post 32 so that the seat post 32 can easily slide along the rail in the base 100, and thereby enable the displacement of the whole saddle.

The saddle 30 is fitted with a reclining seatback 31 to ensure an appropriate position of the user and proper support for the user's back when the apparatus is in use in the recumbent exercise bike configuration and in the arm pedal exerciser configuration. This backrest 31 can be folded underneath the saddle, as shown in FIG. 2, when the apparatus is configured as a normal exercise bike to avoid it interfering with the user's normal pedalling action. The saddle 30 is also fitted with side handles 33 that provide the user with additional support and a stable grip when the apparatus is used as a recumbent exercise bike.

In the configuration as an arm pedal exerciser 12, illustrated in FIG. 4, the set of pedals 22 is attached in a position located above the horizontal axis of the flywheel 21 that, combined with the positioning of the whole pedals block 20 in the first operative position at the upper end of the supporting column 50, enables the appropriate positioning of the pedals in relation to the movable saddle 30, thus configuring the apparatus for use with the arms and shoulders, and no longer with the legs.

In particular, the set of pedals 22 can be attached in different positions above the axis of the flywheel to suit the user's height.

Again in the case of the apparatus being configured as an arm pedal exerciser, the handlebar 40 provided for when the apparatus 10 is used as a normal exercise bike can advantageously be folded to avoid it interfering with the set of pedals 22 when it is positioned and fixed around the flywheel.

Depending on the type of configuration to be used, the apparatus 10 is fitted with removable pedal crank 80 and removable hand grips 81. In particular, when the configuration as an exercise bike 12 or a recumbent exercise bike 11 is used, the pedal crank 80 are used to provide a comfortable support for the foot and thus enable a fluid and effective pedalling action. When the apparatus is configured as an arm pedal exerciser, the pedal crank 80 are removed and the hand grips 81 are attached, providing an adjustable grip so that users can hold them with their hands and perform a pedalling action with the strength of their arms and shoulders.

FIG. 2 shows the Cardiovascular training device 10 according to the present invention configured as a normal exercise bike 12, i.e. in the configuration that mimics the normal pedalling action on a bicycle.

In said configuration as an exercise bike 12, the pedals block 20 is positioned in a second operative position in relation to the supporting column 50. In particular, the pedals block 20 is positioned at the lower end of the column 50 and the set of pedals 22 is attached in a position parallel to the flywheel.

The pedals block 20 is easily moved from the first operative position, characteristic of the configuration as a recumbent exercise bike 11 or as an arm pedal exerciser 13, to the second operative position characteristic of the configuration as a normal exercise bike 12.

This transfer from the first to the second operative positions is achievable because the pedals block 20 is vertically movable on the supporting column 50.

The vertical transfer of the pedals block along the supporting column 50 is achieved by means of a slide 52 coupled to the pedals block that slides along guide means 51 located along the supporting column 50.

The slide 52 is coupled to the flywheel supporting element 23 using coupling means suitable for supporting the whole pedals block 20 and enabling its displacement along the vertical axis of the supporting column 50.

The position of the pedals block 20 on the supporting column 50 according to the embodiment described herein is maintained by means of an interference locking system 90 that enables it to be fixed temporarily in place.

The term “interference locking system”, according to the present invention, means a locking system consisting of a pin apt to interfere with an appropriate hole to prevent the movement of two part of a machine or device.

In particular, the interference locking system 90 consists of a pair of pins 92, with a handle 91, coupled to the flywheel supporting element 23 and to the slide 52. The set of pedals is locked in place when the pins 90 interfere with the grooves 93 located along the supporting column 50 in line with pre-set locking points. The set of pedals is released by shifting the lever 91 coupled with the pins 92 to release the pins from the grooves 93, thereby releasing the whole pedals block 20 from its fixed position.

Other types of locking system differing from the above-described interference-fit type are equally appropriate for use in maintaining the position of the pedals block 20 along the supporting column 50.

A second type of locking means, not shown in the attached figures, consists of a pin inserted manually by the user in a through hole in the housing until it comes into contact with the supporting column. Different positions are enabled by means of a plurality of holes located along the vertical axis of the supporting column.

The pedals block 20 is displaced vertically along the supporting column 50 according to the embodiment described herein by means of a gravity-assisted passive displacement system 60, i.e. a system that exploits the self-weight of the pedals block without using any motorised means or mechanical drive means.

The term gravity-assisted passive displacement system, according to the present invention means a system for moving a part of the machine that uses the force of gravity to ease the user.

In particular, the gravity-assisted passive system 60 is a counterbalance system that enables the pedals block to be moved by exploiting a small weight difference, established at the design stage, between the pedals block and the counterbalance.

The counterbalance 61 positioned along the vertical column 50 is attached to a pair of belts 62, which are attached with appropriate fixing means 63 to the flywheel supporting element 23, in order to enable the displacement of the whole pedals block 20. The belts 62 transfer the ascending or descending vertical movement of the counterbalance 61 to the pedals block, reversing its direction thanks to a system of pulleys 64 located at the upper end of the supporting column 50. When the counterbalance 61 moves downwards, the pedals block thus moves upwards, and vice versa, facilitating the displacement of the pedals block 20 for the purpose of modifying the configuration of the apparatus according to the user's needs.

When the counterbalance 61 is heavier than the pedals block 20, the system as a whole is in a state of equilibrium when the pedals block is in the first operative position, i.e. at the upper end of the supporting column 50. To move it from the first to the second operative position it will consequently be necessary to impose a descending force on the pedals block slightly greater than the force generated by the counterbalance 61, in order to make the pedals block 20 move vertically along the supporting column 50 until it reaches the second operative position of said pedals block. Said position is then maintained by means of the interference locking system 90, as explained previously.

When the counterbalance 61 is slightly lighter than the pedals block 20, the whole system is in equilibrium when the pedals block is in the second operative position, i.e. at the lower end of the supporting column 50. In this case, to move it from the second to the first operative position it will be necessary to impose an ascending force on the pedals block to make the pedals block 20 move vertically along the supporting column 50 in order to reach the first operative position. This position is then maintained by means of the interference locking system 90, as explained previously.

Other types of pedals block displacement system differing from the above-described gravity-assisted passive type are equally appropriate for use in moving the pedals block 20 along the supporting column 50 from the first operative position to the second operative position.

Another example of such a displacement system is the lead screw system, wherein a screw coupled with the pedals block is moved by turning a screw nut located inside the supporting column 50.

Another example of such a displacement system is a motor-driven displacement system wherein the pedals block is moved by means of a winch, the drum of which is operated by an electric motor, and it is connected to the pedals block by means of a belt or cable.

To protect the displacement system and all the sensitive parts needed to enable the pedals block to be moved from the first operative position to the second operative position, the supporting column is contained inside a housing 53 to prevent any foreign bodies from interfering with the mechanisms and damaging the system, and possibly also harming the user of the apparatus.

In the embodiment described herein, the apparatus 10 is complete with a screen 41 that enables the user to obtain data relating to the training session underway, such as the turning speed or the number of rotations of the pedals, the time elapsing or remaining, or even parameters such as heart rate and calorie consumption.

The screen may be attached by means of a holder 42 that enables it to be positioned at the upper end of the supporting column so that it is always visible when the apparatus is being used in any of its possible configurations.

In a different embodiment of the present invention, the screen may not be specific to the apparatus, but a separate device such as a tablet or a smartphone. In this case, the separate screen may be connected to the apparatus by means of a Bluetooth connection and use an application installed in the tablet or smart phone to process data on training sessions and exercise plans, or manage general information sent by the device.

The Cardiovascular training device according to the present invention is a multifunctional apparatus that can be configured in various operative modes, and particularly as a traditional exercise bike, a recumbent exercise hike, or an arm pedal exerciser, enabling users to choose the type of exercise to perform and adjust the amount of effort to be exerted without needing to have several types of equipment.

In addition, the limited dimensions of the compact apparatus according to the invention enables it to be placed even in small rooms, making it particularly appropriate for use at home since this single apparatus caters for three different exercising modalities.

The Cardiovascular training device according to the present invention also enables a reduction in the investment costs for exercise machines because it includes three different types of machine in a single item of equipment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Cardiovascular training device comprising: a pedals block (20) comprising a flywheel (21) connected to pedals (22); a movable saddle (30); an handlebar (40); characterized in that said pedals block (20) is movable on a support column (50) along a vertical direction from a first operative position to a second operative position, said pedals (22) being adapted to be positioned in a plurality of positions along a circumference defined concentrically to said flywheel (21).
 2. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said support column (50) is provided with guide means (51) coupled to a slide (52) fixed to said pedals block (20).
 3. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said pedals block (20) is moved by a gravity-assisted passive displacement system (60).
 4. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 3, characterized in that said gravity-assisted passive displacement system (60) is a counterbalance system (61).
 5. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said set of pedals (22) are removably fixed to said flywheel in said plurality of positions around said circumference.
 6. Cardiovascular training device according to claim, characterized in that said set of pedals (22) are fixed by means of a locking pins system (70).
 7. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said flywheel (21) is connected to said set of pedals (22) by means of a chain drive system or a belt drive system.
 8. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said set of pedals (22) comprise removable pedal crank (80).
 9. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said set of pedals (22) comprise removable hand grips (81).
 10. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said saddle (30) is provided with a reclining seatback (31).
 11. Cardiovascular training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said pedals block (20) is provided with an interference locking system (90). 